Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Reserve soldiers and NATO Rapid Deployable Corps - Spain soldiers gather for...... read more read more
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BÉTERA, Spain – The U.S. Army Reserve 7th Mission Support Command’s 209th Theater Liaison Detachment (TLD) played a pivotal role in the exercise Avenger Triad 25. The unit deployed to Base Jaime 1 near Bétera, Spain, and served as the critical bridge between the NATO Rapid Deployable Corps-Spain (NRDC-Spain) and the U.S. Army Europe and Africa - led Multi-Corps Land Component Command (MCLCC) in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Combined with NATO’s Steadfast Duel exercise, Avenger Triad 25 is a computer-simulated exercise that tests and refines NATO defense plans and integrated command systems. 4,000 participants from numerous nations and 20 NATO organizations participated, representing over 100,000 troops involved in large-scale combat operations during a fictional European conflict.
The 209th TLD’s mission centers on seamless integration with the warfighter functions of partner nations. Utilizing command and control information systems, the detachment provides a comprehensive operational picture, leveraging a suite of advanced technologies through a common network. The detachment’s five warfighting function teams seamlessly integrated into NRDC-Spain’s staff, directly supporting the corps commander, LTG Luis Sáez Rocandio, in shaping the warfighting environment for subordinate units.
“We start by utilizing our command and control information systems to provide a comprehensive view of what the U.S. systems are observing,” explained Master Sgt. Edwin Bridges, Chief Operations Sergeant Major. “This connectivity enables us to share information and coordinate effectively with our partner nation, making our mission successful.”
Intelligence Team: Providing the Commander’s Clear Vision
The Intelligence Team, led by Capt. Kendal Karstens, expertly applied liaison principles to exchange and coordinate all-source, live intelligence data between U.S. Army and Spanish command and control information systems. This critical function allowed the corps commander to gain a comprehensive understanding of the battlefield, supporting his decision-making process with a clear picture of the enemy.
Fire Support Team: Amplifying Deliberate Targeting
Lt. Col. Dave Porter led the Fire Support Team, which significantly amplified the Corps’ execution of both deliberate and dynamic targeting, facilitating countless fire missions striking deep into simulated enemy territory. Lt. Col. Porter’s liaison efforts with the Corps’ fires and airspace managers, alongside their MCLCC counterparts, exemplified true teamwork in action. This collaboration ensured efficient and coordinated fires, maximizing their impact on the battlefield, utilizing the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).
Operations & Maneuver Team: Supporting the Decision Cycle
Lt. Col. Brett Wilson spearheaded the Operations & Maneuver Team, diligently monitoring the Corps’ operations and maintaining constant communication with the MCLCC staff in Wiesbaden. The team provided vital assistance to the NRDC-Spain commander and staff throughout the exercise’s decision-making cycle, particularly during deep attacks designed to destroy key enemy capabilities. Their proactive monitoring and clear communication ensured the corps maintained momentum and achieved its objectives.
Logistics Team: Enabling Sustainment Across a Vast Area of Operations
MSG Richard Martinez led the Logistics Team, tackling complex logistical challenges across the Corps’ expansive area of responsibility. The team consistently passed accurate data to the MCLCC staff, enabling the 21st Theater Sustainment Command to effectively push essential resources to the corps’ subordinate units. This ensured sustained operations and maintained the combat power of the forces on the ground.
The 209th TLD’s success stemmed from its core competency: the art of human liaison combined with the effective employment of emerging command and control information systems at the corps level. The detachment functioned as the “lynchpin” binding NRDC-Spain and MCLCC together throughout the multinational, corps-level exercise.
“The 209th TLD’s performance during Avenger Triad 25 demonstrated the critical value of theater liaison detachments in modern warfare,” said Col. Michael Hiller, Commander of the 209th TLD. “Our Soldiers proved their ability to integrate seamlessly with a NATO corps, bridging the gap between U.S. and Allied forces and enhancing multinational interoperability. This exercise reinforces the importance of the art of human liaison, even as we leverage increasingly sophisticated technology.”
The success of the 209th TLD in Spain underscores the U.S. Army Reserve’s role in strengthening the NATO Alliance and enhancing its ability to respond to evolving security challenges. The lessons learned during Avenger Triad 25 will inform future TLD training and operations, ensuring the detachment remains a vital asset in multinational environments.
| Date Taken: | 11.01.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.03.2025 04:00 |
| Story ID: | 550623 |
| Location: | VALENCIA, ES |
| Web Views: | 183 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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